USA Manhattanhenge from Long Island City
This Long Island City waterfront spot offers a perfectly compressed view of Manhattan's skyline, aligning the Chrysler Building directly beneath One Vanderbilt, framed by the United Nations Building.
While known as an alternative viewpoint for Manhattanhenge (late May and mid-July) as the sun sets down the 42nd Street canyon, it is an incredible telephoto spot year-round. Even when clouds block the horizon sun, the golden hour sky provides a dramatic backdrop for the midtown spires.
While known as an alternative viewpoint for Manhattanhenge (late May and mid-July) as the sun sets down the 42nd Street canyon, it is an incredible telephoto spot year-round. Even when clouds block the horizon sun, the golden hour sky provides a dramatic backdrop for the midtown spires.
Photography Tips
Lens Choice: Anywhere from 50 to 500mm will work well here for Manhattanhenge (on a full-frame sensor) to tightly crop the buildings and make the spires pop against the sky. 24mm or so, will be good for the entire cityscape.
The Alignment: Walk along the waterfront boardwalk until the Chrysler Building is positioned perfectly centered in front of One Vanderbilt.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset is ideal. For the ultimate shot, time your visit during the Manhattanhenge windows or the days leading up to/following them, when the sun sets directly down the gridline of 42nd Street.
The Alignment: Walk along the waterfront boardwalk until the Chrysler Building is positioned perfectly centered in front of One Vanderbilt.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset is ideal. For the ultimate shot, time your visit during the Manhattanhenge windows or the days leading up to/following them, when the sun sets directly down the gridline of 42nd Street.
Travel Information
Location & Access
Spot: Hunters Point South Park / Gantry Plaza State Park waterfront boardwalk (Long Island City, Queens).
Public Transport: Take the 7 train to Vernon Blvd - Jackson Av and walk a few blocks west toward the river, or take the NYC Ferry directly to the Long Island City / Hunters Point South terminal.
Parking
Street parking in this area of Long Island City can be extremely difficult and heavily regulated. It is highly recommended to use public transit or look for a nearby paid parking garage. Book the garage ahead of time on the weekends (use SpotHero app for example).
Crowds & Safety
Crowd Factor: This park is a popular spot for locals, joggers, and casual sunset watchers. During Manhattanhenge dates, expect a dense line of photographers with tripods along the railing. Show up early to claim your tripod footprint.
Safety: The park is well-lit, highly populated, and very safe for carrying expensive camera gear, even after dark.
Spot: Hunters Point South Park / Gantry Plaza State Park waterfront boardwalk (Long Island City, Queens).
Public Transport: Take the 7 train to Vernon Blvd - Jackson Av and walk a few blocks west toward the river, or take the NYC Ferry directly to the Long Island City / Hunters Point South terminal.
Parking
Street parking in this area of Long Island City can be extremely difficult and heavily regulated. It is highly recommended to use public transit or look for a nearby paid parking garage. Book the garage ahead of time on the weekends (use SpotHero app for example).
Crowds & Safety
Crowd Factor: This park is a popular spot for locals, joggers, and casual sunset watchers. During Manhattanhenge dates, expect a dense line of photographers with tripods along the railing. Show up early to claim your tripod footprint.
Safety: The park is well-lit, highly populated, and very safe for carrying expensive camera gear, even after dark.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
A decent amount of people
Best Timing
Sunset in summer
Sunrise & Sunset
05:40 - 20:24
| current local time: 10:44
Photo Themes
Cityscape
sky
Skyline
Sunset
Locations
New York City
Queens
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